Equipping All People for The World: Knowing Your Story of Faith and Sharing it

“Are there any significant experiences you have had, or accomplishments you have realized, that have helped to define you as a person?” Essay Question from N.Y.U. Enrollment Application

“What are we here for – to have a good time with the Christians or to save sinners?" - Malla Moe

"God isn't looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him." - Hudson Taylor

“All my forefathers have passed away into darkness without knowing anything of what was to befall them; how is it that your forefathers knowing all these things, did not send word to my forefathers sooner?” - an African chief speaking to missionary David Livingstone

"I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light.“ - John Keith Falconer

1 Peter 3: 15-16 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Mark 5: 18-20 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

John 4: 28-30 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

John 4: 39-40 39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

Acts 4: 18-20 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

Matthew 10: 32-33 32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.”

Thoughtful Questions: 1.) Tell me about your life 2.) What is most important to you? 3.) What have been your biggest disappointments or struggles? - How Did You Handle Them? 4.) Tell me about your spiritual journey. 5.) If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? - Have you tried?

Thoughtful Questions: 6.) Who are you trying to become? 7.) The Bible says specific things about what you’re experiencing: Can I share some with you? 8.) Does what I shared make sense to you? (No, is OK response) 9.) Do you want to share this experience with God too? 10.) Is this something you’d want to talk about later?

Ask these ?s 1.) Can I share “my story” of faith in 5 minutes? 2.) What are some updates to “my story” I can share? 3.) Where has Jesus moved into “my neighborhood?” - John 1:14

Matthew 5: 14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.